Tips on Pandemic Safety for Wheelchair Users

Since the Aug. 13th Zoom meeting on wheelchair care, we've been thinking about pandemic safety and wheelchair users. Here we review some pandemic safety tips as a follow-up:

Pandemics have an impact on the way we behave and live our lives. During the ongoing global crisis due to the Coronavirus or COVID-19, keeping yourself safe by following social distancing recommendations is best. These are extraordinary times for everyone, both physically and mentally. But for people who are in a wheelchair due to a physical injury or other disability, a pandemic brings a whole set of risks and challenges.

The virus can survive on surfaces for hours and even days; therefore, they have to take extra precautions to keep the wheelchair disinfected. Also, people with physical disabilities may have a low immune system, so they are at risk of severe complexities if they develop COVID-19. 

Here are a few tips and precautions for wheelchair users to help maintain their wellbeing during a pandemic:

Frequently wash hands or use an alcohol-based sanitizer

Cleaning hands at regular intervals is the key to protecting yourself. The virus enters the system through the eyes, nose, or mouth. Use any hand wash or soap to wash hands for around 20 seconds. Your hands may touch several surfaces, including wheelchair parts, increasing the chances of infection. Always keep anti-bacterial wipes or a bottle of sanitizer that has at least 70% alcohol with you.

Thoroughly clean the wheelchair and other surfaces

It is essential to disinfect the high-touch surfaces of the wheelchair. Washing hands will be of little use if you will touch the unclean wheelchair with them. In the case of a manually-operated wheelchair, clean wheels, brakes, and push rims. For automatic ones, disinfect the joystick and other controllers, handles, arm pads, and tray with anti-bacterial wipes or spray. Follow the same procedure to clean any other assistive equipment like transfer seats, oxygen tanks, vehicles, medications, or other medical supplies.

Use mask and gloves when outside

Avoid going to crowded places, unless unavoidable. If you have to go out, maintain appropriate social distancing, use plastic gloves if needed, and avoid touching the face while wearing them. While traveling in a vehicle, disinfect the handles or buttons, and avoid touching any surface or metal. To prevent getting bacteria or viruses in the house, clean the wheelchair before entering the home. 

Stay mindful of caregiver's hygiene

If you rely on outside caregivers for assistance, ensure they have masks, face shields, and gloves on at all times, and wash or sanitize their hands before touching you. Check their temperatures daily, and keep an eye if they have the known infection symptoms. The caregiver must follow all the safety procedures to ensure the good health of the wheelchair user.

Have a healthy diet and exercise regularly

The need to take care of your health is even higher during a pandemic. Eat healthy food and maintain a sleep schedule to ensure getting adequate rest. Also, practice yoga, meditation, and do wheelchair exercises as directed by the physical therapist.

Stay positive 

With so much negativity surrounding the pandemic, ensuring mental wellbeing is equally essential. Talk to friends and family, pursue hobbies, and think and focus on the positives. 

Be it COVID-19 or any other pandemic, practicing hygiene and taking required safety precautions is essential to ensure you don't live with the fear of the disease. Call your health professional, or talk to the physical therapist to know what else you can do to stay healthy and protected.

If you are looking for occupational or physical therapy, vestibular rehab, wheelchair training, learning to walk, unweighting aquatic therapy, or other services in the Phoenix area, please call Touchstone Rehabilitation at 602-277-1073.